PhD Position: Decoding cell lineages in a miniature flowering plant (m/f/d)

The research group of Shuqing Xu offers the following PhD project:
How does a single cell generates an entire plant? Modern technologies can reveal what individual cells are doing, but usually cannot tell us where each cell came from. This project aims to address this challenge by creating a synthetic genetic recorder that traces cell lineages during development. We will use the fast-growing flowering plant Lemna aequinoctialis (duckweed) as an experimental system. Its simple body plan, rapid clonal reproduction, and established genome-engineering tools provide a unique opportunity to reconstruct the development of an entire organism across multiple generations.

PhD Project: Decoding cell lineages in a miniature flowering plant

The PhD student will develop a synthetic DNA-barcode system in which programmable mutations accumulate as cells divide. These molecular records will be read by sequencing and used to reconstruct cell ancestry.

We will use this system to address fundamental questions:
- How many founder cells generate a new plant?
- Do long-lived stem-cell lineages persist across generations?
- When and how do different tissues acquire distinct developmental histories?
- How are reproductive lineages specified from vegetative lineages?

The project combines synthetic biology, genome editing, molecular genetics, and computational lineage reconstruction. It therefore offers an opportunity to both develop a new molecular technology and use it to address fundamental questions in developmental biology.

Students with backgrounds in molecular biology, genetics, genome engineering, developmental biology, or computational biology are particularly encouraged to apply. Previous experience with plants is not required.

If you are interested in this project, please select Xu as your group preference in the IPP application platform.

Are you an ambitious scientist looking to push the boundaries of research while interacting with colleagues from multiple disciplines and cultures? Then joining the IPP is your opportunity to give your scientific career a flying start!
All you need is:

• Master or equivalent
• Interactive personality & good command of English
• 2 letters of reference

• Exciting, interdisciplinary projects in a lively international environment, with English as our working language
• Advanced training in scientific techniques and professional skills
• Access to our state-of-the-art Core Facilities and their technical expertise
• Fully funded positions with financing until the completion of your thesis
• A lively community ofmore than 200 PhD students from 44 different countries

For more details on the projects offered and how to apply via the online form using the apply button.

The deadline for applications is 15 October 2026. Interviews will take place at IMB in Mainz on 18+19 January 2027.
Starting date: 1 February - 31 July 2027